Richard A. Loring and his bride of 59 years, Ruthie Loring, enjoy corn during the annual Taste of the Northside, a food-friendly event at the parking lot of The Club at Sonterra.

Richard A. Loring and his bride of 59 years, Ruthie Loring, enjoy corn during the annual Taste of the Northside, a food-friendly event at the parking lot of The Club at Sonterra.

Photo: Photos By Billy Calzada / San Antonio Express-News

Image 2 of 10

Marci Aguirre, left, and Paula Gallegos-Denton wear Fiesta hats during the annual Taste of the Northside, a food-friendly event at the parking lot of The Club at Sonterra, on Wednesday, April 23, 2014.

Marci Aguirre, left, and Paula Gallegos-Denton wear Fiesta hats during the annual Taste of the Northside, a food-friendly event at the parking lot of The Club at Sonterra, on Wednesday, April 23, 2014.

Photo: San Antonio Express-News

Image 3 of 10

Grilled chicken is cut into
strips at the Matamoros booth during the annual Taste of the Northside, a food-friendly event at the parking lot of The Club at Sonterra, on Wednesday, April 23, 2014.

Grilled chicken is cut into
strips at the Matamoros booth during the annual Taste of the Northside, a food-friendly event at the parking lot of The Club at Sonterra, on Wednesday, April 23, 2014.

Photo: San Antonio Express-News

Image 4 of 10

Cilantro chicken prepared at the Matamoros booth was a hit during the event, held for the 15th year.

Cilantro chicken prepared at the Matamoros booth was a hit during the event, held for the 15th year.

Photo: San Antonio Express-News

Image 5 of 10

Image 6 of 10

Alex Moseley of Papouli's prepares chicken during the annual Taste of the Northside, a food-friendly event at the parking lot of The Club at Sonterra, on Wednesday, April 23, 2014.

Alex Moseley of Papouli's prepares chicken during the annual Taste of the Northside, a food-friendly event at the parking lot of The Club at Sonterra, on Wednesday, April 23, 2014.

Photo: Billy Calzada, San Antonio Express-News

Image 7 of 10

Lily Nguyen, left, and Nicole Kunetz enjoy the annual Taste of the Northside, a food-friendly event at the parking lot of The Club at Sonterra, on Wednesday, April 23, 2014.

Lily Nguyen, left, and Nicole Kunetz enjoy the annual Taste of the Northside, a food-friendly event at the parking lot of The Club at Sonterra, on Wednesday, April 23, 2014.

Photo: Billy Calzada, San Antonio Express-News

Image 8 of 10

The La Hacienda booth is popular during the annual Taste of the Northside, a food-friendly event at the parking lot of The Club at Sonterra, on Wednesday, April 23, 2014.

The La Hacienda booth is popular during the annual Taste of the Northside, a food-friendly event at the parking lot of The Club at Sonterra, on Wednesday, April 23, 2014.

Photo: Billy Calzada, San Antonio Express-News

Image 9 of 10

Rod King and Leslie Michael show their Fiesta hats during the annual Taste of the Northside, a food-friendly event at the parking lot of The Club at Sonterra, on Wednesday, April 23, 2014. Leslie Michael made each hat by hand. less

Rod King and Leslie Michael show their Fiesta hats during the annual Taste of the Northside, a food-friendly event at the parking lot of The Club at Sonterra, on Wednesday, April 23, 2014. Leslie Michael made ... more

Photo: Billy Calzada, San Antonio Express-News

Image 10 of 10

Thousands celebrate food, music

1 / 10

Back to Gallery

Northern San Antonio exploded with the Fiesta spirit Wednesday as about 8,000 people turned out for the 15th annual celebration known as A Taste of the Northside.

Fans from all over the city, some first-timers, some veteran supporters — “repeat offenders” as Miles Erwin characterized himself and other visitors who had been there before — filled the parking lot and grounds of The Club at Sonterra to sample food from more than 60 restaurants, chose between dozens of wine and beer options, and move to bands such as Grooveline and Blue Finger Disco.

“It's pretty awesome,” said first-time Taste visitor Desi Knight from the West Side.

“You can go from Colombian to Greek food, all in one place,” said her husband, Joe Knight. “This will be our only Fiesta event.”

The price tag for the event was steeper than many Fiesta activities: $55 in advance and $60 at the door.

Boy carted off in ambulance after S.A. shooting as relatives scream in anguishSan Antonio Express-News

But for that, visitors got free parking, though some trudged half a mile or more rather than wait 45 minutes for a shuttle bus to the oak-filled country club from designated parking sites, and up to eight food samples from vendors and five beer or wine tastings.

“When you consider all you get with it, it's very reasonable,” said Cristina Luna, a Stone Oak-area resident attending for a second year.

In addition, the event is held to benefit The Brighton Center, a San Antonio nonprofit that aids more than 2,500 children with developmental concerns and their families yearly.

The event, which ended with a fireworks display, is the center's largest fundraiser and is expected to bring in $500,000 this year, close to the $550,000 it reportedly made for Brighton last year.

Kim Jefferies, the center's executive director, said the event has brought in about a third of what the center needs in donations each year.